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Abstract:

A mechanism including a hinge and movement assembly having a first
fastening region, a second fastening region, and a hinge defining an axis
of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first
fastening region is provided. The mechanism further comprises an assembly
for maintaining a releasable portion of the partition relative to a
stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly having at
least one frangible connection that can be broken to rotationally free
the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region. The
hinge and movement assembly includes relative movement means for the
second fastening region relative to the first fastening region at least
in a direction parallel to the axis of rotation.

Claims:

1. A frangible hinge mechanism for a partition of a platform, comprising:
a hinge and movement assembly comprising a first fastening region for
fastening on a stationary portion of the partition, a second fastening
region for fastening on a releasable portion of the partition, and a
hinge connecting the first fastening region to the second fastening
region, the hinge defining an axis of rotation of the second fastening
region relative to the first fastening region; and an assembly for
maintaining the releasable portion of the partition relative to the
stationary portion of the partition, the maintenance assembly comprising
at least one frangible connection that may be broken to rotatably release
the second fastening region relative to the first fastening region,
wherein the hinge and movement assembly comprises a guide for the
relative movement of the second fastening region relative to the first
fastening region at least in a direction parallel to the axis of
rotation.

2. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the guide can allow
movement of the second fastening region relative to the first fastening
region along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so as to move
the second fastening region away from the first fastening region.

3. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the guide is configured to
guide the movement of the second fastening region relative to the first
fastening region between a maintenance configuration and a separated
configuration, the hinge and movement assembly comprising a block for
blocking the movement of the second fastening region relative to the
first fastening region in the separated configuration.

4. The mechanism according to claim 3, wherein in the separated
configuration, the second fastening region extends in a position situated
at least partially below the position that second fastening region
occupies in the maintenance configuration.

5. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the guide comprises at
least one first connecting rod, each first connecting rod connecting one
of the first fastening region and the second fastening region to the
hinge, the first connecting rod being hinged at the first point on one of
the first fastening region and the second fastening region, and a second
point on the hinge.

6. The mechanism according to claim 5, comprising at least one second
connecting rod connecting the other of the first fastening region and the
second fastening region to the hinge, the second connecting rod being
hinged at a first point on the other of the first fastening region and
the second fastening region, and a second point on hinge.

7. The mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the second fastening
region is movable relative to the first fastening region between a
maintenance configuration and a separated configuration, and in that, in
the separated configuration, the or each first connecting rod and the
second connecting rod are parallel or aligned.

8. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the frangible maintenance
assembly comprises a first part configured to be fastened on the
stationary portion and a second part configured to be fastened on the
releasable portion.

9. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the frangible connection
can be broken by applying a calibrated pulling force.

10. A platform partition, comprising a stationary portion, a releasable
portion relative to the stationary portion, and a mechanism according to
claim 1, the first fastening region being fastened on the stationary
portion, the second fastening region being fastened on the releasable
portion, the frangible maintenance assembly connecting the stationary
portion to the releasable portion.

11. The partition according to claim 10, wherein after the frangible
connection is broken, the releasable portion can be moved downward
relative to the stationary portion by means of the guide.

12. The partition according to claim 10, comprising an additional
releasable portion, the releasable portion being able to slide relative
to the additional releasable portion parallel to the axis of rotation
after the frangible connection is broken.

13. A separating assembly for a platform, of the type having a stationary
partition delimiting a circulation passage extending along a circulation
axis and at least one partition transversely movable relative to the
circulation axis between a configuration freeing the passage and a
configuration blocking the passage, the movable partition being according
to claim 10.

14. The assembly according to claim 13 comprising a first stationary
partition and a second stationary partition situated on either side of
the circulation passage, the assembly comprising a first movable
partition that can be moved relative to the first stationary partition
and a second movable partition that can be moved relative to the second
stationary partition between a configuration freeing the passage and a
configuration blocking the passage, at least one movable partitions being
according to claim 10.

15. A method for opening a platform partition, comprising: providing a
partition according to claim 10; breaking the frangible connection to
release the releasable portion relative to the stationary portion; moving
the releasable portion relative to the stationary portion in at least one
direction parallel to the axis of rotation by means of the guide; and
pivoting the releasable portion relative to the stationary portion around
the axis of rotation.

16. The mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the guide comprises a
pair of first connecting rods.

17. The mechanism according to claim 6, wherein the second fastening
region is movable relative to the first fastening region between a
maintenance configuration and a separated configuration, and in that, in
the separated configuration, the or each first connecting rod and the
second connecting rod are along an axis perpendicular to the axis of
rotation.

18. The mechanism according to claim 8, wherein the frangible connection
comprises a frangible fastening member connecting the first part and the
second part.

19. The assembly according to claim 13 comprising a first stationary
partition and a second stationary partition situated on either side of
the circulation passage, the assembly comprising a first movable
partition that can be moved relative to the first stationary partition
and a second movable partition that can be moved relative to the second
stationary partition between a configuration freeing the passage and a
configuration blocking the passage, both movable partitions being
according to claim 10.

Description:

[0001] The present invention relates to a frangible hinge mechanism for a
partition of a platform, comprising: [0002] a hinge and movement
assembly including a first fastening region for fastening on a stationary
portion of the partition, a second fastening region for fastening on a
releasable portion of the partition, and a hinge connecting the first
fastening region to the second fastening region, the hinge defining an
axis of rotation of the second fastening region relative to the first
fastening region; and [0003] an assembly for maintaining the releasable
portion of the partition relative to the stationary portion of the
partition, the maintenance assembly including at least one frangible
connection that may be broken to rotatably release the second fastening
region relative to the first fastening region.

[0004] Such a mechanism is designed to be mounted on a partition arranged
in the cabin of a civil or military aircraft transporting passengers
and/or good. The partition is advantageously designed to form a door leaf
separating two compartments in the cabin.

[0005] To delimit the separate compartments in the cabin of an aircraft,
it is known to position a separating assembly having two stationary
partitions delimiting a central circulation passage between the
compartments.

[0006] The separating assembly also includes at least one leaf movable
relative to the stationary partitions between a configuration covering
the circulation passage, in which the two compartments are isolated, and
a passage configuration, in which the two compartments communicate.

[0007] One known separating assembly is for example positioned in certain
business airplanes of the Falcon® type. This assembly includes a leaf
formed by a door transversely movable relative to a stationary partition.
An opening mechanism makes it possible to open the door. Such an assembly
is satisfactory in the case of normal use of the aircraft.

[0008] However, in case of emergency, aeronautics standards require that
the airplane be evacuated under all circumstances. This is in particular
applicable when the opening mechanism of the leaf is faulty and the leaf
remains jammed in the circulation passage. To allow this opening, the
leaf sometimes comprises at least one releasable portion that can be
separated from a stationary portion by applying an axial force, so as to
free the circulation passage.

[0009] To that end, it is known to position a frangible hinge along a
vertical pin in the vicinity of one of the lateral edges of the leaf.
This hinge allows part of the leaf to be released under the effect of
bearing on that portion by an occupant of the aircraft.

[0010] The frangible hinge extends between the stationary portion and the
releasable portion. At least one frangible connection keeps the hinge
rotationally immobile during normal operation.

[0011] When a force is applied along the circulation axis, the frangible
connection breaks, rotationally releasing the hinge and allowing the
releasable portion to pivot relative to the stationary portion.

[0012] Such a separating assembly is not fully satisfactory. In fact, the
known frangible hinge mechanisms are quite often complex and tedious to
maintain (in particular to replace the frangible portions of the
mechanism). Furthermore, in the case of a door centered on the axis of
the aircraft, the rotational travel of the releasable portion may be
hindered by the fuselage of the airplane, in particular when said
fuselage has a relatively small curve radius.

[0013] One aim of the invention is therefore to obtain a frangible hinge
mechanism for an aircraft partition, which is adapted to any positioning
of the partition in the aircraft, and in particular a partition situated
at the center of the aircraft.

[0014] Another aim of the invention is to obtain a hinge mechanism that is
easy to manufacture and maintain, and which has a light structure.

[0015] To that end, the invention relates to a mechanism of the
aforementioned type, characterized in that the hinge and movement
assembly includes means for the relative movement of the second fastening
region relative to the first fastening region at least in a direction
parallel to the axis of rotation.

[0016] The mechanism according to the invention may comprise one or more
of the following features, considered alone or according to any
technically possible combinations: [0017] the relative movement means
can allow movement of the second fastening region relative to the first
fastening region along an axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation, so
as to move the second fastening region away from the first fastening
region. [0018] the relative movement means guide the movement of the
second fastening region relative to the first fastening region between a
maintenance configuration and a separated configuration, the hinge and
movement assembly comprising means for blocking the movement of the
second fastening region relative to the first fastening region in the
separated configuration. [0019] in the separated configuration, the
second fastening region extends in a position situated at least partially
below the position that second fastening region occupies in the
maintenance configuration. [0020] in the separated configuration, the
blocking means keep the axis of rotation vertical; [0021] the relative
movement means include at least one first connecting rod, advantageously
a pair of first connecting rods, each first connecting rod connecting one
of the first fastening region and the second fastening region to the
hinge, the first connecting rod being hinged at the first point on one of
the first fastening region and the second fastening region, and a second
point on the hinge. [0022] It includes at least one second connecting rod
connecting the other of the first fastening region and the second
fastening region to the hinge, the second connecting rod being hinged at
a first point on the other of the first fastening region and the second
fastening region, and a second point on hinge. [0023] the second
fastening region is movable relative to the first fastening region
between a maintenance configuration and a separated configuration, and,
in the separated configuration, the or each first connecting rod and the
second connecting rod are parallel or aligned, advantageously along an
axis perpendicular to the axis of rotation. [0024] the frangible
maintenance assembly comprises a first part intended to be fastened on
the stationary portion and a second part intended to be fastened on the
releasable portion, the frangible connection advantageously having a
frangible fastening member connecting the first part and the second part.
[0025] the frangible connection can be broken by applying a calibrated
pulling force.

[0026] The invention also relates to a platform partition, characterized
in that it includes a stationary portion, a releasable portion relative
to the stationary portion, and a mechanism as described above,

[0027] the first fastening region being fastened on the stationary
portion, the second fastening region being fastened on the releasable
portion, the frangible maintenance assembly connecting the stationary
portion to the releasable portion.

[0028] The partition according to the invention may comprise one or more
of the following features, considered alone or according to all
technically possible combinations: [0029] after the frangible
connection is broken, the releasable portion can be moved downward
relative to the stationary portion by means of the relative movement
means. [0030] It includes an additional releasable portion, the
releasable portion being able to slide relative to the additional
releasable portion parallel to the axis of rotation after the frangible
connection is broken.

[0031] The invention also relates to a separating assembly for a platform,
of the type having a stationary partition delimiting a circulation
passage extending along a circulation axis and at least one partition
transversely movable relative to the circulation axis between a
configuration freeing the passage and a configuration blocking the
passage, the movable partition being as defined above.

[0032] The separating assembly according to the invention may comprise one
or more of the following features, considered alone or according to any
technically possible combinations: [0033] it includes a first
stationary partition and a second stationary partition situated on either
side of the circulation passage, the assembly including a first movable
partition that can be moved relative to the first stationary partition
and a second movable partition that can be moved relative to the second
stationary partition between a configuration freeing the passage and a
configuration blocking the passage, at least one, advantageously both
movable partitions being as defined above.

[0034] The invention also relates to a method for opening a platform
partition, comprising the following steps: [0035] providing a partition
as defined above; [0036] breaking the frangible connection to release the
releasable portion relative to the stationary portion; [0037] moving the
releasable portion relative to the stationary portion in at least one
direction parallel to the axis of rotation by means of the relative
movement means; [0038] pivoting the releasable portion relative to the
stationary portion around the axis of rotation.

[0039] The invention will be better understood upon reading the following
description, provided solely as an example, and done in reference to the
appended drawings, in which:

[0040] FIG. 1 is a front view of a first separating assembly including a
frangible hinge mechanism according to the invention;

[0041]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane of the
separating assembly of FIG. 1, in a configuration delimiting a
circulation passage, the circulation passage having been cleared;

[0042] FIG. 3 is a front perspective view of a portion of the frangible
hinge mechanism according to the invention, in a maintenance
configuration of the mechanism;

[0043]FIG. 4 is a view similar to FIG. 3, in a separated configuration of
the mechanism, in which a releasable portion of a movable separating
partition has been moved;

[0044] FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view along a horizontal plane of a
frangible maintenance assembly of the hinge mechanism FIG. 1;

[0045]FIG. 6 is a three-quarters front perspective view of a frangible
connecting member for the maintenance assembly of FIG. 5;

[0046]FIG. 7 is a three-quarters front perspective view of a partition of
the assembly of FIG. 1, a releasable portion of the partition having been
freed;

[0047] FIG. 8 is a view similar to FIG. 7, the releasable portion having
been pivoted;

[0048]FIG. 9 is a view similar to FIG. 2, illustrating the partial
clearing of the circulation passage, when the releasable portions of two
opposite movable partitions have pivoted;

[0049] FIG. 10 is a view similar to FIG. 4, of an alternative of the
frangible hinge mechanism.

[0050] A first aircraft 10 according to the invention is partially
illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0051] In a known manner, the aircraft 10 is a platform having a fuselage
12 diagrammatically shown in FIG. 1. The fuselage 12 delimits an inner
space 14 intended to receive occupants and/or goods. The inner space 14
is for example a cabin or a cargo compartment of the aircraft.

[0052] The fuselage 12 extends along a central longitudinal axis A-A' of
the aircraft 10, shown horizontally in FIG. 1.

[0053] According to the invention, the aircraft 10 includes a separating
assembly 16 according to the invention, delimiting two compartments in
the inner space 14. In this example, the separating assembly 16 extends
transversely relative to the longitudinal axis A-A'.

[0054] As illustrated by FIGS. 1 and 2, the separating assembly 16
comprises at least one stationary partition 18. The stationary partition
18 delimits an inner circulation passage 20 within the inner space (FIG.
2). The passage 20 extends along the longitudinal axis A-A' of the
aircraft 10.

[0055] The separating assembly 16 also includes at least one movable
partition 22 intended to selectively block the circulation passage 20.
The partition 22 is movably mounted relative to the stationary partition
18, by means of a mechanism 24 for moving the movable partition 22
relative to the stationary partition 18, shown in broken lines in FIG. 1.

[0056] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the separating assembly 16
comprises two opposite stationary partitions 18, situated on either side
of the fuselage 12. For each stationary partition 18, the separating
assembly 16 has a movable partition 22 that can be moved by means of a
movement mechanism 24 between a configuration blocking the passage, shown
in FIG. 1, and a configuration freeing the passage 20, shown in FIG. 2.

[0057] The separating assembly 16 also includes an assembly 25 for
releasably locking the movable partition 22 in the blocking configuration
thereof. The two movable partitions 22 thus form a central door of the
separating assembly 16.

[0058] Each stationary partition 18 extends transversely in the inner
space 14 between an outer edge 26 secured on the fuselage 12 and an inner
edge 28 delimiting the circulation passage 20.

[0059] Each stationary partition 18 also has a lower edge 30 fastened on a
horizontal floor 32 of the aircraft 10.

[0060] The outer lateral edge 26 has a curved shape complementary to that
of the fuselage 12 on which is fastened. It substantially blocks the
inner space 14.

[0061] In this example, the inner edge 28 of each stationary partition 18
extends vertically.

[0062] As illustrated by FIG. 2, each stationary partition 18 extends
substantially in a transverse plane P relative to the axis A-A',
advantageously perpendicular to the axis A-A'.

[0063] Each stationary partition 18 includes two opposite parallel walls
34A, 34B delimiting a housing 36 between them for receiving the movable
partition 22 in the configuration thereof freeing the passage 20. The
receiving housing 36 emerges inwardly toward the axis A-A' in the
circulation passage 20.

[0064] In this example, each movable partition 22 includes at least one
panel 40, 42. Each panel 40, 42 comprises an inner support filler 43A
visible on the right in FIG. 1, and an outer filler 43B, visible on the
left FIG. 1.

[0065] In this example, the mobile partition 22 includes an upper panel
40, laterally and vertically movable relative to the stationary partition
18, and a lower panel 42 movable only laterally relative to the
stationary partition 18. The movable partition 22 also has a mechanism 44
for guiding the relative vertical movement of the upper panel 40 relative
to the lower panel 42, which will not be described in more detail.

[0066] According to the invention, the movable partition 22 is at least
partially frangible to allow the partial release of the circulation
passage 20 in case of emergency, for example in the event the movable
partition 22 is blocked in the configuration thereof blocking the passage
20.

[0067] To that end, each panel 40, 42 has an outer stationary portion 46A,
46B, a releasable inner portion 48A, 48B, and a frangible hinge mechanism
50 according to the invention connecting at least one stationary portion
46A, 46B to a releasable portion 48A, 48B.

[0068] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the upper panel 40 has an
upper stationary portion 46A, and an upper releasable portion 48A
connected to the stationary portion 46A by the mechanism 50.

[0069] The upper panel 40 has a height, considered perpendicular to the
central axis A-A', larger than that of the lower panel 42.

[0070] Furthermore, the width of the upper stationary portion 46A is
smaller than the width of the upper releasable portion 48A. The width of
the upper releasable portion 48A is for example greater than 15 cm and
preferably approximately 25 cm, to free a sufficient opening in the
central passage 20 in case of emergency.

[0071] The lower panel 42 has a lower stationary portion 46B and a lower
releasable portion 48B that have a width respectively corresponding to
the width of the upper stationary portion 46A and the width of the upper
releasable portion 48A.

[0073] When the movable partition 22 goes from its configuration blocking
the passage to its configuration freeing the passage, the lower panel 42
is movable exclusively in translation along the horizontal axis C-C',
between a position deployed outside the receiving housing 36 formed in
the partition 18 and a position retracted in that housing 36.

[0074] Upon normal opening of the movable partition 22, which is done
during normal operation by means of the movement mechanism 24, the upper
panel 40 can be moved simultaneously following a transverse movement
parallel to the axis C-C' and following a vertical downward movement to
partially receive a lower panel 42 in the retraction housing 52 and to
retract into the receiving housing 36 of the partition 18.

[0075] As will be seen below, in case of emergency, it is also possible to
partially open the passage 20 by freeing the frangible hinge mechanism
50. Each releasable portion 48A, 48B can then be rotated around a
vertical hinge axis D-D' (FIG. 9) relative to each stationary portion
46A, 46B, between the configuration blocking the passage 20, shown in
FIG. 7, and a longitudinal configuration partially opening the passage
20, shown in FIGS. 8 and 9.

[0076] The releasable portions 48A, 48B thus form a releasable half-panel
54 visible in FIG. 7 and FIG. 8. The releasable half-panel 54 can be
rotated around a vertical axis D-D' relative to a stationary half-panel
36 formed by the stationary portions 46A, 46B.

[0077] According to the invention, the hinge mechanism 50 includes at
least one frangible maintenance assembly 60 for maintaining a releasable
portion 48A relative to a stationary portion 46A and at least one
movement and hinge assembly 62 of the releasable portions 48A relative to
the stationary portion 46A.

[0079] In the example illustrated in FIG. 1, the frangible hinge mechanism
50 includes two pairs of assemblies 60, 62 vertically spaced along the
upper panel 40.

[0080] As illustrated by FIGS. 1, 5 and 6, each frangible maintenance
assembly 60 comprises a first piece 70A secured to the stationary portion
46A, a second piece 70B secured to the releasable portion 48A, and a
frangible link 72 between the pieces 70A, 70B.

[0081] In the example illustrated in these figures, each piece 70A, 70B is
formed by a horizontal beam respectively attached on the stationary
portion 46A and on the releasable portion 48B. The beams are open-worked.

[0082] Each piece 70A, 70B has an end surface 74A, 74B on the edge
thereof. The end surface 74A of the first piece 70A is intended to be
placed in contact with the end surface 74B of the second corresponding
piece 70B situated facing it.

[0083] Each piece 70A, 70B delimits a passage opening 78A, 78B for the
frangible link 72 through the end surface 74A, 74B.

[0084] When the maintenance assembly 60 is active, the end surface 74B of
the piece 70B is pressed on the end surface 74A of the piece 70A. The
surfaces 74A, 74B are kept in contact with one another by means of the
frangible link 72.

[0085] On the contrary, when the frangible link 72 is broken, the
maintenance assembly 60 is inactive, and the surfaces 74A, 74B may move
away from one another, as shown in FIG. 7.

[0086] In the example illustrated in FIG. 6, the frangible link 72 has a
fusible connecting member 80 and a retaining member 82 for retaining the
connecting member 80. In this example, the connecting member 80 is made
up of a screw.

[0087] The connecting member 80 has a calibrated thin zone 84 that may be
broken under the application of a predetermined pulling force.

[0088] The thin zone 84 is advantageously positioned at the contact zone
of the end surfaces 74A, 74B. It is for example formed by an annular
constriction.

[0089] The thin zone 84 is broken when a calibrated pulling force is
applied between the pieces 70A, 70B to cause the connecting member 80 to
break.

[0090] This pulling force may in particular result in a thrust above a
given value, for example greater than 20 kg, exerted by a passenger on
the releasable portion 48A along the axis A-A'.

[0091] The connecting member 80 is inserted through the passages 78A, 78B
and is maintained in the passages 78A, 78B by the retaining member 82.

[0092] The retaining member 82 is for example a nut.

[0093] In the example, the hinge and movement assembly 62 illustrated in
FIGS. 3 and 4 is positioned completely spaced away from the frangible
maintenance assembly 60, for example above or below the frangible
maintenance assembly 60.

[0094] The hinge and movement assembly 62 includes a first fastening
region 90A on the stationary portion 46A, a second fastening region 90B
on the releasable portion 48A, and a central hinge 94.

[0095] According to the invention, the hinge and movement assembly 62 also
includes guide means 96 capable of allowing a relative movement of the
second fastening region 90B relative to the first fastening region 90A
following a composite movement including at least one first movement
along the axis of rotation D-D' defined by the hinge 94 and,
advantageously, a second movement perpendicular to the axis D-D'.

[0096] Advantageously, the hinge and guiding assembly 62 also includes
blocking means 98 situated at each of the regions 90A, 90B and capable of
blocking the travel of the second fastening region 90B relative to the
first fastening region 90A in a predetermined position illustrated in
FIG. 4.

[0097] The first fastening region 90A and the second fastening region 90B
are each made up of a platen 100A, 100B respectively fastened on the
stationary portion 46A and on the releasable portion 48A.

[0098] The hinge 94 includes a first fork 102A and a second fork 102B
engaged in one another and a vertical pivot 100 for connecting the forks
102A, 102B along the axis D-D'.

[0099] The forks 102A, 102B can pivot relative to one another around the
pivot 104, without moving along the axis D-D'.

[0100] The first fork 102A advantageously has a first region 105A for
receiving the pivot 104, extending substantially perpendicular to the
axis D-D', and a support arm 105B substantially perpendicular or inclined
relative to the first region 105A.

[0101] The movement means 96 include at least one first connecting rod
106A, advantageously a pair of first connecting rods 106A intended to
connect the hinge 94 to the first fastening region 90A. They include a
second connecting rod 106B for connecting the hinge 94 to the second
fastening region 90B.

[0102] Each first connecting rod 106A is hinged at a first point 108A on
the first region 90A and a second point 110A on the hinge 94. In the
example shown in FIG. 1, the second hinge points 110A of the respective
connecting rods 106 are respectively situated in the connecting area
between the first region 105A and the arm 105B and at the end of the arm
105B connected to the upper connecting rod 106A.

[0103] In this example, the first connecting rods 106A are mounted
parallel to one another forming a parallelogram structure. The
parallelogram thus formed has the hinge points 108A, 110A of the
connecting rods 106A as apices.

[0104] The hinge of each connecting rod 106A at the first point 108A and
the second point 110A is formed by pivots perpendicular to the axis D-D'.

[0105] The second connecting rod 106B is hinged at a first point 108B on
the second region 90B and a second point 110B on the hinge 94,
advantageously at the end of the second fork 102B opposite the hinge 94.
The articulation of the connecting rod 106B to the first point 108B and
the second point 110B is formed by pivots perpendicular to the axis D-D'.

[0106] The blocking means 98 include at least one stop 112A, 112B secured
to the movement means 96, and at least one complimentary stop 114A, 114B
secured to a fastening region 90A, 90B.

[0107] In the example illustrated in the figures, the blocking means 98
include stops 112A, 112B, respectively formed at the free ends of the
connecting rods 106A, 106B, and for each stop 112A, 112B, a respective
complementary stop 114A, 114B respectively formed on the fastening
regions 90A, 90B situated opposite the free ends of the connecting rods
106A, 106B.

[0108] The stops 112A, 112B and the complementary stops 114A, 114B can
cooperate beyond a given angular position of each connecting rod 106A,
106B around the first point 108A, 108B to prevent the rotation of the
connecting rod 106A, 106B beyond that angular position.

[0109] When the maintenance assembly 60 is active, before the frangible
connection 72 is broken, the hinge and movement assembly 62 occupies a
contracted maintenance configuration, illustrated by FIG. 3.

[0110] In this configuration, the first fastening region 90A is situated
close to the second fastening region 90B, on either side of the axis D-D'
of the hinge 94. The first region 105A of the first fork 102A, and the
second fork 102B extend substantially particular to the axis D-D',
horizontally in FIG. 3.

[0111] Each first connecting rod 106A protrudes from a first side, for
example downward, from the hinge point 110A thereof on the fork 102A.
Each first connecting rod 106A is in particular inclined relative to the
axis D-D'.

[0112] The second connecting rod 106B protrudes from another side relative
to the hinge point 110B thereof on the fork 102B, for example upwards.

[0113] Once the frangible connection 72 is broken, the hinge and movement
assembly 62 can go into a separated configuration illustrated by FIG. 4.

[0114] The movement means 96 are free to move the second fastening region
90B relative to the first fastening region 90A following a composite
movement including at least a first movement along the axis D-D' and,
advantageously, a second movement perpendicular to the axis D-D'.

[0115] Each connecting rod 106A, 106B is capable of pivoting around the
first point 108A, 108B until each stop 112A, 112B comes into contact with
a complementary stop 114A, 114B.

[0116] In the separated configuration, shown in FIG. 4, the second region
90B has moved away from the first region 90A by means of the movement
means 96, following the composite movement described above.

[0117] In this configuration, the connecting rods 106A, 106B are aligned
or parallel to one another. They advantageously extend perpendicular to
the axis D-D'. The connecting rod 106B is aligned with and in the
extension of the fork 102B, as the presence of a second hinge and
movement assembly 62 between the portions 46A and 48A prevents the
rotation of the connecting rod 106B around the hinge point 110B from
continuing.

[0118] The axis D-D' is kept vertical all throughout the movement of the
releasable portion 48A relative to the stationary portion 46A as far as
the separated configuration owing to the hinge and movement assembly 62
and the blocking means 98. This allows each releasable portion 48A, 48B
to pivot around the axis D-D'.

[0119] The second region 90B has moved vertically and horizontally away
from the first region 90A, in particular by moving downward and toward
the central axis A-A'.

[0120] In reference to FIG. 7, the deformable connecting assembly 64 is
formed by springs 120 positioned perpendicular to the axis D-D' between
the lower stationary portion 46B and the lower releasable portion 48B.
These springs 120 can be deformed with a substantially zero return force
during pivoting of the releasable portions 48A, 48B around the axis D-D'.

[0121] The operation of the separating assembly 16 according to the
invention will now be described.

[0122] Initially, when idle, each partition 22 is in the configuration
thereof blocking the passage 20, as illustrated in FIG. 1.

[0123] In this configuration, each releasable maintenance assembly 60 is
active. The frangible connection 72 keeps the first piece 70A in contact
with the second piece 70B. The releasable portions 48A, 48B are kept in
position against stationary portions 46A, 46B.

[0124] In this configuration, each hinge and movement assembly 62 is in
the contracted configuration thereof. The fastening regions 90A, 90B are
situated facing one another, close to one another.

[0125] The deformable springs 120 are initially stressed in order to keep
the lower stationary portion 46B in position with the lower releasable
portion 48B.

[0126] During normal operation, when an occupant of the aircraft 10 wishes
to unblock the passage 20, he actuates the locking assembly 25 to release
the movable partition 22.

[0127] The movement mechanism 24 then moves each movable partition 22 to
retract it into a stationary partition 18. This movement is
advantageously done in the transverse plane P (FIG. 2) of the stationary
partition 18.

[0128] To that end, the lower panel 42 moves along the horizontal axis
C-C' to enter the receiving housing 36. The upper panel 40 moves through
a combined outward transverse translational and vertical translational
movement relative to the lower panel 42, to receive the lower panel 42 in
the retraction housing 52 and to retract into the receiving housing 36
formed in the stationary partition 18.

[0129] In case of emergency, if the movable partition 22 is in the
configuration thereof blocking the passage 20 and the passage 20 must be
freed, the user applies an axial force on the panel 48A greater than the
given value, for example greater than 20 kg. To that end, he may strike
the upper panel 40 at the upper releasable portion 48A thereof.

[0130] This axial force causes traction greater than the calibrated
pulling force on the connection 72. Subsequently, the frangible
connection 72 breaks, in particular by breaking the fastening member 80
at the thin zone 84.

[0131] The second piece 70B secured to the releasable portion 48A is
therefore free to move relative to the first piece 70A secured on the
stationary portion 46A.

[0132] The weight of the upper releasable portion 48A gravitationally
drives it downward. This causes the deployment of each hinge and movement
assembly 62.

[0133] The connecting rods 106A, 106B pivot around their hinge point 110A,
110B; 108A, 108B. This movement causes a composite movement of the upper
releasable portion 48A downward in a direction parallel to the axis D-D'
and following a movement perpendicular to the axis D-D' away from the
stationary portion 46A.

[0134] As illustrated by FIG. 7, this composite movement lowers the upper
releasable portion 48A relative to the lower releasable portion 48B. The
upper edge of the upper releasable portion 48A then moves away from the
fuselage 12, as illustrated by FIG. 7.

[0135] Then, the user pivot the inner half-panel 54 formed by the
releasable portions 48A, 48B relative to the outer half-panel 56 formed
by the stationary portions 46A, 46B as illustrated by FIG. 8. This
pivoting drives the half-panel 54 around the axis D-D' relative to the
half-panel 56. This partially frees the passage 20, as shown in FIG. 9.

[0136] Given the width of each half-panel 54, a substantial passage, for
example with a width substantially equal to 50 cm, is obtained.

[0137] Furthermore, the upper releasable portion 48A having moved downward
by means of each hinge and movement assembly 62, the movement of the
inner half-panel 54 is not hindered by the fuselage 12, even if the
latter has a small curve radius.

[0138] The releasable hinge mechanism 50 according to the invention is
therefore particularly simple to use, in particular in case of emergency.
It has a structure that is easy to manufacture and reliable. Once broken,
the frangible connection 72 can be replaced by simply substituting the
fastening member 80.

[0139] Furthermore, the stiffness of each movable partition 22 is
reinforced by the presence of the maintenance assembly 60. The hinge
mechanism 50 is also very light, due to its simplicity.

[0140] It will be noted that lowering the releasable portion 48A along the
axis D-D', and the lateral movement thereof relative to the stationary
portion 46A and the pivoting thereof around the axis D-D' using hinges 94
to free the passage 20, can be done almost simultaneously, which reduces
the time necessary to evacuate the aircraft 10.

[0141] In one alternative, the movement means 96 of the hinge and movement
assembly 62 allow the second fastening region 90B to move relative to the
first fastening region 90A exclusively along the axis D-D' in
translation, without translation perpendicular to the axis D-D'.

[0142] In another alternative, the frangible hinge mechanism 50 is mounted
between a releasable portion and a stationary portion of a partition of
the aircraft that is not necessarily a movable leaf.

[0143] In one alternative mechanism 50, shown in FIG. 10, the maintenance
assembly 60 is mounted on the hinge assembly 62. It is for example
located in contact with platens 100A, 100B above and/or below them.

[0144] In this example, the first piece 70A is secured to the first platen
100A and the second piece 70B is secured to the second platen 100B. As
previously described, the connecting member 80 of the frangible
connection 72 is introduced between the first piece 70A and the second
piece 70B and is maintained by a retaining member 82.

[0145] The thin zone 84 is advantageously located at the interstice
between the first platen 100A and the second platen 100B.

[0146] The operation of this alternative mechanism 50 is also similar to
that of the mechanism shown in FIGS. 1 to 9.

[0147] In still another alternative (not shown), the maintenance assembly
60 is mounted directly on the hinge 94 of the hinge assembly 62. It is
for example formed by a frangible disc or a frangible stop inserted
between the forks 102A, 102B.

[0148] In one alternative, the mechanism 50 may comprise a single first
connecting rod 106A and a single second connecting rod 106B.